Clinical Research AT ECS
The Clinical Research Center at Eye Care Specialists is a fully integrated dynamic arm of the largest ophthalmic and optometric practice in Northeast Pennsylvania. Our Mission is to advance state of the art clinical eye care by participating in clinical trials that explore new avenues of therapy and stretch the boundaries of what is possible for the treatment of eye disease.
The Clinical Research Center at Eye Care Specialists…because there’s so much to see.
Clinical trials are fundamental to the advancement of medical science. They explore new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease, and ultimately to improve the quality of life. You may decide to participate in a clinical trial for any of a number of reasons. Some volunteers participate understanding that it is only through their involvement that medical science can be moved forward. Others hope to benefit from a new treatment or procedure that is still under study. Fundamentally, clinical trials move medical care into the future!
Clinical Research Trials are used to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of medications or medical devices by monitoring their effects on groups of patients. They are conducted in a series of steps called phases. Each phase is designed to answer separate research questions.
- Phase I: Researchers test a new drug or treatment in a small group of people for the first time to evaluate its safety and identify side effects.
- Phase II: The drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.
- Phase III: The drug or treatment is given to large groups of people to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, and compare it to commonly used treatments.
- Phase IV: Studies are done after the drug or treatment has been marketed to gather information on the drug’s effect in various populations and any side effects associated with long-term use.
Eye Care Specialists Research Team
Dr. Hedaya’s research interests include new treatments for retinal diseases such as, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and retinal vein occlusion.
Dr. Kruger’s research interests include new treatments for retinal diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and retinal vein occlusion. Dr. Kruger has been the principal investigator on numerous clinical trials, many of which have resulted in new therapies. He has been involved in clinical research for over 15 years.
Dr. Daniel Lutz is a sub investigator on several studies. His research interests include medical and surgical glaucoma treatment.
Dr. Reiser’s research interests include cataract and refractive surgery and innovative glaucoma therapies. He has been the principal investigator on numerous studies and has published many research articles in medical journals. He has been a speaker at ASCRS (American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons) conferences.
Dr. Roth’s research interests include eyelid and facial plastic surgery. He also participates in cataract and refractive and dry eye studies. He has been both a principal investigator as well as a sub investigator on numerous clinical trials.
Dr. Savage’s research interests include new treatments for retinal diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and retinal vein occlusion. Dr. Savage has been a sub investigator on numerous clinical trials, many of which have resulted in new therapies. He has been involved in clinical research for over 15 years.
Dr. Cardillo is a sub investigator on numerous studies, including research on dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive outcomes. She has been involved in clinical research for 10 years.
Patti is our anterior segment Clinical Research Manager. She has been employed at Eye Care Specialists for 15 years. She has vast research experience and has been a study coordinator for over 25 years. Patti’s contact number is 570-714-5910
Patty is our posterior segment Clinical Research Manager. She has been employed at Eye Care Specialists for 19 years. She has extensive research experience and has been a study coordinator for over 10 years. Patty’s contact number is 570-714-5901.
Christen is a research technician and joined the research team in 2010. Prior to joining the Research Department, Christen was a clinical technician with Eye Care Specialists.
Leeann is our newest research technician, joining the research department in 2017. Leeann has been employed at Eye Care Specialists as a clinical and surgical technician for over 20 years.
The Research Team at Eye Care Specialists can be reached by:
Calling: (570) 714-5910
Emailing: pmyers@icarespecialists.com
Actively Enrolling Clinical Studies
If you would like more information about one of our studies, please email the study specific coordinator listed below.
This Study Involves 4 Visits Over 4 Weeks
Are your eyes dry, irritated or burning? Do you sometimes find it hard to focus your eyes when you have been reading or using the computer for a long time? You may be able to participate in a research study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational eye drop for the signs and symptoms described above.
You may be eligible if:
- 18 or older
- In good health
- You are willing to refrain from using eye drops during the dosing period
- You are willing to refrain from using contact lenses during the dosing period
- Meet other requirements to participate in the study
Contact: Patti Myers
Eye Care Specialists
570-714-5910
pmyers@icarespecialists.com
If you are 45-65 years old, you may have presbyopia and might qualify for a clinical research study. The study evaluates a new investigational eye drop which may help improve near vision for people with presbyopia.
Participants may be compensated for their time. To learn more about the presbyopia study, please click here.
To learn more about the PANDA study, please click here.
Contact: Patty Yuhas
pyuhas@icarespecialists.com
A multicenter, randomized, double-masked Phase 3a study to assess safety and efficacy of brolucizumab 6 mg q4 weeks compared to aflibercept 2 mg q4 weeks in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) with persistent retinal fluid (MERLIN).
Contact: Patty Yuhas
pyuhas@icarespecialists.com
A 12-Month, 2-Arm, Randomized, Double-Masked, Multicenter Phase ill Study Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Brolucizumab every 4 weeks versus Aflibercept every 4 weeks in Adult Patients with Visual Impairment due to Diabetic Macular Edema (KINGFISHER).
Contact: Patty Yuhas
pyuhas@icarespecialists.com
A Two-Year, Three-Arm, Randomized, Double-Masked, Multicenter, Phase III Study Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Brolucizumab versus Aflibercept in Adult Patients with Visual Impairment due to Diabetic Macular Edema (KESTREL)
Contact: Patty Yuhas
pyuhas@icarespecialists.com
For more information, or if you are interested in being a participant, please contact Patti Myers at pmyers@icarespecialists.com
